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“The former mayor?” I said. I knew where this was going, but I played along.

“The very one. She and Pearl Bradley wanted to tell me that the Ladies Auxiliary—a surprisingly powerful lobby here in Jewel Lakes as you know—like Charles, are considering offering their endorsement to a candidate when the election is called. I said I’d need to talk it over with you, but I was thinking about—”

Will was interrupted by a crash. I looked toward where the sound had come from but couldn’t see anything. I was reminded of the collision at the restaurant at Rolling Hills on New Years.

“I’m sure Reese will take care of it,” I said, keen for Will to continue.

“Actually, I think Reese caused it,” he said. From his position, he could see further into the room where the commotion was.

Reese came storming out to the foyer, followed by the angry man who’d been chasing the chef earlier. That had to be the owner.

“Don’t even think about walking out!” the man said. He’d probably meant to keep his voice low, but it reverberated through the hushed restaurant.

“Listen to me,” Reese said, spinning and shoving a finger in the man’s chest. “I’ve had it up to here with you. Everyone has. Just because you’re the only fine dining restaurant around for miles, doesn’t mean you can treat us like garbage.” Then she undid her apron and held it in front of the man’s face.

“You can take this job”—she stepped forward, giving a quick scan of the restaurant, to make sure there were no kids around, I suddenly knew— “and shove it up your ass!” The man gasped, along with half the restaurant.

But she wasn’t done. She tossed the apron in his face and added, “IF YOU CAN FIND ROOM NEXT TO THAT GIANT STICK!”

Then, while everyone’s mouths still hung open, Reese strode over to our table, picked up my wine, and took a giant swig, letting out a satisfied “ah” when she was done.

Not knowing what else to do, I held my palm up. “High five?”

My sister grinned, slapping her hand against mine. “Love you,” she said, before spinning on her heel and brushing past her stunned ex-boss.

“Good luck finding a job in this town again!” he spat after her.

“I’ll hire her,” Charles said smoothly. “In a heartbeat.” He cupped his hand around his mouth. “SEND ME YOUR RESUME!”

The whole crowd gasped some more.

“I’ll hire her too,” I said, emboldened by my sister’s act of bravery.

“Hell, me as well,” Will chimed in. “I’ll need people willing to stand up to bullies on my campaign.”

“So it’s true!” Charles said.

I grinned at Will, and now it was his turn to wink at me.

Outside, Reese’s tires squealed as she drove off. The owner had disappeared somewhere and the restaurant came back to life with tittering voices.

“Brilliant!” Charles said, slapping a palm on his table. As Will took out his wallet Charles shook his head. “Oh no. Dinner’s on me.”

“I’m running a clean campaign,” Will said.

But the older man shook his head a second time. “Don’t worry son, I’m bribing your woman here, not you.”

I laughed. “No promises.”

He waved a hand. “Never. But still, don’t forget to call!”

We strode out of the restaurant to shocked murmurs, but also a smattering of applause.

“You have something to tell me, Will Archer?” I asked as we strode out into the foyer.

“Just that I’m putting in my notice this week. As well as my official intention to run for Mayor of Barkley Falls.”

“Why give a letter of resignation when you can dramatically storm out?” I said, laughing.